It is common for some children to prefer playing alone or engaging in solitary activities. However, if a child consistently avoids social situations and has difficulty interacting with other children, it may be a cause for concern.

Signs and Symptoms of Social Issues in Children

Here are some specific examples of behaviors that may indicate that a child doesn't like to play with other children:

• Refusing to join in group activities such as sports games, music or art classes, or group projects.

• Avoiding eye contact or physical contact with other children by turning away when another child tries to play with them or pushing other children away.

• Expressing fear or anxiety about social situations such as crying, tantruming, or becoming physically agitated when asked to engage with other children.

• Displaying difficulty following social norms and expectations such as interrupting other children when they are speaking or not taking turns during games.

• Appearing to lack the necessary social skills to interact with other children appropriately such as not understanding how to engage in conversation or not knowing how to share toys.

• Displaying a preference for playing alone such as creating elaborate imaginary worlds or engaging in solitary hobbies like drawing or reading.

Recommendations

It is important to note that some children may prefer solitary activities, and that alone does not necessarily indicate social issues. However, if a child's social behavior is causing concern or impacting their ability to function in daily life, it may be worth seeking guidance from a pediatrician or mental health professional. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the underlying cause of the problem and provide recommendations for intervention if necessary.